In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room A, Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.

MEMBERS PRESENT
Michael M. Tikoian, Chair
Paul Lemont, Vice Chair
Raymond Coia
Bruce Dawson
Don Gomez
Michael Sullivan
Bob Driscoll

STAFF PRESENT
Grover J. Fugate, Executive Director
Janet Freedman Brian Goldman, Legal Counsel

1. Chair Tikoian called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and read a brief statement on the Council’s permitting process for the record.

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

Mr. Lemont motioned, seconded by Mr. Coia, to approve minutes of previous meeting, February 9, 2010. Minutes approved on a unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Sullivan motioned, seconded by Mr. Coia, to have the Council reconsider an action made at its January 27, 2010 meeting regarding the revisions to the Redbook Water Type Maps. Mr. Sullivan stated that clarification was needed in the language that was approved for the Bold Point area of East Providence. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

3. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

No reports.

4. COASTAL EDUCATION SERIES

Janet Freedman, CRMC’s Coastal Geologist, gave a presentation on Coastal Hazards – Today and Tomorrow. Ms. Freedman presented information on coastal hazards which includes changes on RI shores due to natural hazards such as Hurricanes and Nor’easters. Ms. Freedman used overlayed photos and maps to show the change in the shoreline from different historical storms. Ms. Freedman talked about climate change and sea level rise, how it will affect RI shores. Ms. Freedman discussed current CRMP policy regarding hazard mitigation and future initiatives including the development of a living shorelines program and interagency coordination to work on strengthening resilience to climate change impacts

5. Request for Extension of Assent: B1989-02-032 Downing Corporation/Salt Pond Partners, LLC – Construct and maintain a 79 lot subdivision of single family homes located at plat W, lots 82, 85, 86A, 87, 88, 173-174, 175; Karen Ann Drive, Narragansett, RI.

Hearing for Cease and Desist Order: C&D 09-0057 Downing Corporation/Salt Pond Partners, LLC – Activities in association with the Salt Pond Residences subdivision in nonconformance with the RICRMP and CRMC Assent B1989-02-032.

William Landry Esq., of Blish and Cavanagh present for the applicant. Greg Schulz, Esq, from the Attorney General’s office is present for Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission. Mr. Fugate gave brief overview of the matters before the Council stating that the Assent expiration date was tolled due to litigation for the contested case. Mr. Fugate stated that during the construction, an important archaelogical discovery was uncovered on the property and work was put on hold. Mr. Fugate informed the Council that last year site preparation began again and a Cease and Desist Order was issued by CRMC as the matter was still in litigation. Mr. Landry explained to the Council that both parties agreed to request that a subcommittee hearing be held on the issues. Mr. Schulz confirmed Mr. Landry’s request. Mr. Goldman stated that he had spoken with Mr. Killoy, Counsel for the Narragansett Indian Tribe, and that they were also in agreement with the request to go to subcommittee. No objections were heard from the Council members. Consolidation of Extension and Enforcement for Downing Corporation/Salt Pond Partners sent to subcommittee.

6. STAFF REPORTS

Jeffrey Willis, CRMC Deputy Director and Louise Ford, CRMC Chief Resource Specialist, gave an update on CRMC’s budget which included the Governor’s revised FY 2010 budget and the Governor’s recommended FY 2010 budget. Mr. Willis explained the agency’s budget procedure and the timeframe in which we have to work in. Mr. Willis stated that the Governor’s revised FY10 budget reduced our state funding by approximately $82,000.00 which the Governor recommended be met through the shut down days in FY10 and FY11. Mr. Willis explained that our FY 2011 Federal budget is also being recommended to be reduced. Discussion on Habitat funding and the success of the program. Chair Tikoian asked if it would be appropriate for CRMC to request more funding for the program. Mr. Fugate stated that the request would require a statutory change. Mr. Willis stated that all 30 CRMC FTE’s were authorized and filled. Discussion on the reduction in CRMC’s contract services recognized that our IT support contract had been reduced to cut costs. Chair Tikoian asked that the Council be updated on the budget earlier in the process.

7. CATEGORY “A” LIST/ENFORCEMENT REPORT

None were held.

Motion to adjourn by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Coia. There being no further business to discuss. The hearing was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Grover Fugate, Executive Director

Reported by Lisa A. Mattscheck

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